Are you looking for a new phone? Our best smartphone list is here to show you the top 15 devices you can buy right now. If you already have your mobile OS allegiance set, you may want to check out either our ranking of the best Android phones or best iPhones.
If what's on offer in our best smartphone list is a little too pricey for your taste, then don't fear, as we've also got a list of the best cheap smartphones available right now.
Best smartphones by brand
2021 is here, and we expect to see big changes to this list throughout the year with new handsets including the Samsung Galaxy S21, OnePlus 9, iPhone 13 and even choices like the Oppo Find X3 Pro and Sony Xperia 1 III set for the next 12 months.
But, what about right now? We know that it's not all about the high-cost, super spec phones all the time so we've made you a handy list of all the top smartphones that you can get on the market right now, assessing what really matters to you.
2020 saw an almost complete overhaul of this list with brand new devices entering the top 15 including the Samsung Galaxy S20, OnePlus 8 Pro, iPhone SE and, most recently, the iPhone 12, iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12 Pro, iPhone 12 Pro Max and OnePlus 8T.
We test these phones rigorously through our review process, making sure that we check every angle and feature - but most importantly, considering whether they've got a decent battery, great screen, strong design and a cracking camera.
Then, perhaps most importantly, we consider the price too. Not everyone can afford (or even wants) a supercar-like handset in their pocket at all times, so we've ensured to give you a full ranking.
Want to know the best part of this list for you? Our best phone list has never looked better. Let's get started on our list of the top 15 handsets. You can see them quickly below, and then we're set to talk you through the very best phone in the world right now. What could it be?
Best phone at a glance:
- Samsung Galaxy S20 / S20 Plus
- OnePlus 8 Pro
- iPhone 12 mini / iPhone 12
- Oppo Find X2 Pro
- iPhone 12 Pro / iPhone 12 Pro Max
- Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra
- Motorola Edge Plus
- OnePlus 8T
- Xiaomi Mi Note 10
- Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra
- Samsung Galaxy Note 10 Plus
- iPhone SE (2020)
- Samsung Galaxy S10 / S10 Plus
- iPhone 11
- Sony Xperia 1 II
1. Samsung Galaxy S20 / S20 Plus
The two best smartphones around
Release date: March 2020 | Weight: 163g/186g | Dimensions: 151.7 x 69.1 x 7.9mm/161.9 x 73.7 x 7.8mm | OS: Android 10 | Screen size: 6.2-inch/6.7-inch | Resolution: 1440 x 3200 | CPU: Snapdragon 865 / Exynos 990 | RAM: 8GB/12GB | Storage: 128GB (S20) or 128GB/256GB/512GB (S20 Plus) | Battery: 4,000mAh/4500mAh | Rear camera: 12MP + 64MP + 12MP | Front camera: 10MP
The Samsung Galaxy S20 is the best smartphone available right now. That covers both the S20 and the larger Galaxy S20 Plus, as there's very little difference between the two handsets aside from size and a couple of specs.
They take the very best of what's on the smartphone market and put it together in a compelling package that we loved testing.
Screen: Both these devices have phone screens that are a cut above the rest, and each is capable of a 120Hz refresh rate that will allow for far smoother scrolling and gameplay on your phone's screen.
Battery life: The battery life on the Galaxy S20 and Galaxy S20 Plus isn't the best we've ever seen on a smartphone, but larger batteries than the S10 series allow these devices to last longer and it'll be enough for your day.
Both devices come with wireless charging, and there's also a Reverse Power Share feature that allows you to top up your friend's phone too.
Camera: Samsung has improved the camera suite on the Galaxy S20 devices compared to the Galaxy S10. It may not look far better on paper, but larger pixels and improved software adds to the flagship experience.
Mini verdict: The S20 and S20 Plus are packed full of the best Samsung has to offer, and it comes together to give you the best smartphone experience around right now. If we had to pick one, we'd go for the bigger screen, larger battery slightly improved rear camera of the Galaxy S20 Plus, but both phones deserve their best phone crown.
Read more: Galaxy S20 review | Galaxy S20 Plus review
Price comparison:
The best Samsung Galaxy S20 deals
The best Samsung Galaxy S20 Plus deals
- Compare the best mobile phone deals
2. OnePlus 8 Pro
Chasing Samsung with amazing value
Release date: April 2020 | Weight: 199g | Dimensions: 165.3 x 74.35 x 8.5mm | OS: Android 10 | Screen size: 6.78-inch | Resolution: 3168 x 1440 | CPU: Snapdragon 865 | RAM: 8/12GB | Storage: 128/256GB | Battery: 4,510mAh | Rear camera: 48MP+48MP+5MP+8MP | Front camera: 16MP
The OnePlus 8 Pro blew us away when we reviewed it, and the company is tussling with Samsung and Apple on our best phones list for that very reason. While the OnePlus 8 is also an option, it's missing many of the features we like about the Pro, which we outline below.
Screen: This 6.78-inch has the ability to impress you more than an iPhone for one simple reason: the 'Fluid Display' that sets the refresh rate to 120Hz. Not only does it make game look better, but simply scrolling the web looks smoother. You'll also find nice upscaling and HDR10+ here, though false touches along the screen edges did give us trouble at times.
Battery life: If you need your phone battery to last all day long, the OnePlus 8 Pro achieves that, according to our tests. Its 4,510 battery capacity isn't the biggest next to what Samsung's phones are touting, but when setting the resolution to Full HD+, we did get by on a single charge very easily. We also took advantage of OnePlus (finally) adding wireless charging – in fact, it's the fastest wirelessly charging device we've ever tested.
Camera: OnePlus has always lagged behind when it came to its cameras, though the OnePlus 8 Pro closes the gap. Its quad-lens array on the back of the phone allows for fine 48MP photos and a 3x optical zoom along with a 30x digital zoom. We can't call it the best camera phone on the market, but it's among the best cameras on an Android in this price range.
Mini verdict: It's amazing that with Apple and Samsung's top phones out of the way, we have the at-one-time-little-known OnePlus doing so well that it's claimed a spot within the top 5 phones of 2020. While this version is more expensive than prior OnePlus phones, it doesn't cut corners. You're getting 5G, a 120Hz screen refresh rate, a great camera with 3x optical zoom, and super fast wireless charging. It's a bit tall and only comes in one size (with the smaller OnePlus 8 a very different experience), and, to be expected, the camera is good but not good enough to rival the phones ranked ahead of it.
Read more: OnePlus 8 Pro review
3. iPhone 12 mini / iPhone 12
The best Apple iPhone bang for your buck
Weight: 134g / 164g | Dimensions: 131.5mm x 64.2mm x 7.4mm / 146.7mm x 71.5mm x 7.4 mm | OS: iOS 14 | Screen size: 5.4-inch / 6.1-inch | Resolution: 1080 x 2340 / 1170 x 2532 | CPU: A14 Bionic | RAM: 4GB | Storage: 64GB/128GB/256GB | Battery: Unknown | Rear camera: 12MP+12MP | Front camera: 12MP
The iPhone 12 is a similar phone in a lot of ways to the iPhone 11, but with 5G for the first time, coupled with an OLED screen, a more durable build, and increased power, it’s the best iPhone for most people.
Plus, this time it comes with the iPhone 12 mini in tow that allows you to have a smaller screen size for your next iPhone with a 5.4-inch display making it an easy to hold phone.
The iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max are obviously better still – but they also cost more, making them arguably less appealing.
Screen: The upgrade to OLED on the standard iPhone 12 means this has an excellent display – one that can stand up to its pricier siblings, though this is still just a 60Hz screen. The iPhone 12 mini may be small but it features 476 pixels per inch, which is an impressive result.
Battery life: The iPhone 12’s battery life is solid – and better than its predecessor’s battery, but it still can’t compete with the longest lasting smartphones. You’ll probably be charging it nightly, but at least you have the option to do that without wires. The iPhone 12 mini battery isn't as good, but it's a similar affair.
Camera: The dual-lens camera (consisting of 12MP main and ultra-wide snappers) on the iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 mini performs well even in low light, but it’s not much of an upgrade on the iPhone 11 here. Though being able to use Night Mode with both sensors is a nice bonus.
Mini verdict: The iPhone 12 isn’t the best spec iPhone available, but it strikes a good balance between price and features, packs a class-leading chipset, and has the future proofing of 5G. If you want a smaller device with that same spec, but a lower price, look to the iPhone 12 mini. So if you want an excellent iPhone that won’t completely decimate your bank balance, these are the ones to go for.
Read our in-depth iPhone 12 mini review | iPhone 12 review
Price comparison:
The best iPhone 12 mini deals
The best iPhone 12 deals
4. Oppo Find X2 Pro
Oppo's most premium and accomplished smartphone
Release date: June 2020 | Weight: 200/217g | Dimensions: 165.2 x 74.4 x 8.8/9.5mm | OS: Android 10 | Screen size: 6.7-inch | Resolution: 1440 x 3168 | CPU: Snapdragon 865 | RAM: 12GB | Storage: 256/512GB | Battery: 4,260mAh | Rear camera: 48MP, 13MP, 48MP | Front camera: 32MP
This is the highest we've ever had Oppo rank on our best phone list, and that's because the Oppo Find X2 Pro is the most accomplished phone from the manufacturer so far.
You'll find a top display, processor, camera and much more on the Oppo Find X2 Pro that justifies its high price tag. The battery life isn't fantastic, but otherwise this is one of the very best phones on sale right now.
Screen: The 6.7-inch display on this phone is one of the very best on the market right now. The resolution is fantastic, it's punchy and you'll enjoy using the screen on this device if you're after a large phone.
Battery life: This is where the Oppo Find X2 Pro does fall down, and we found that it'll last a solid day with moderate usage but if you're planning to use your phone a lot you may need to look elsewhere.
Camera: There is some fantastic spec here making it one of the very best camera phones you can buy right now. The 60x zoom is particularly impressive on the Find X2 Pro.
Mini Verdict: This isn't the cheap handset you may expect from Oppo. It's a top-end phone that's capable of fighting against the big guns of Apple, Samsung and OnePlus that surround it. If you're after something different, be sure to read our review below.
Read more: Oppo Find X2 Pro review
5. iPhone 12 Pro / iPhone 12 Pro Max
Our second favorite iPhone pair
Weight: 189g / 228g | Dimensions: 146.7mm x 71.5mm x 7.4 mm / 160.8mm x 78.1mm x 7.4mm | OS: iOS 14 | Screen size: 6.1-inch / 6.7-inch | Resolution: 1170 x 2532 / 1284 x 2778 | CPU: A14 Bionic | RAM: 6GB | Storage: 128GB/256GB/512GB | Battery: Unknown | Rear camera: 12MP + 12MP + 12MP | Front camera: 12MP
The iPhone 12 Pro is remarkably similar to the iPhone 12, and that coupled with the higher price means we’ve ranked it lower, but money aside it’s certainly the better phone.
The iPhone 12 Pro Max, however, has a few added extras that make it the best possible choice if money is no object and you're willing to have a big phone. This is a large phone with a 6.7-inch screen, but it does mean you get better battery life.
Both these handsets have more cameras and storage than the iPhone 12 and 12 mini, along with all the same great features as the standard iPhone 12 – including 5G and MagSafe tech.
Screen: The iPhone 12 Pro has a great 6.1-inch OLED screen. It’s one of the best out there, but it’s not much better than the iPhone 11 Pro’s, and there’s only a 60Hz refresh rate. If you want an even bigger display, opt for the 6.7-inch iPhone 12 Pro Max.
Battery life: The iPhone 12 Pro has acceptable battery life, but it’s not great while the Pro Max has better battery that will certainly see you through a full day on a single charge. You’ll be charging daily – and there’s no charging block in the box, though wireless charging is at least supported.
Camera: With 12MP main, ultra-wide and telephoto snappers, along with a LiDAR scanner, the iPhone 12 Pro has a versatile camera setup, and one that’s better in low light than its predecessor’s snapper assortment.
Mini verdict: The iPhone 12 Pro isn’t a big upgrade on either its predecessor or the standard iPhone 12, but that still makes it one of the very best iPhones – and phones – you can buy. Still, if you want to save some money you won’t be missing out on much with the basic iPhone 12 – while for the ultimate model there’s the iPhone 12 Pro Max. If you're willing to spend on it, you'll be getting the very best iPhone with the Pro Max.
Read our in-depth iPhone 12 Pro review | iPhone 12 Pro Max review
Price comparison: The best iPhone 12 Pro deals
The best iPhone 12 Pro Max deals
6. Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra
This productivity powerhouse is the best phone to get stuff done on
Release date: August 2020 | Weight: 208g | Dimensions: 164.8 x 77.2 x 8.1mm | OS: Android 10 | Screen size: 6.9-inch | Resolution: 1440 x 3088 | CPU: Snapdragon 865 Plus / Exynos 990 | RAM: 12GB | Storage: 128/256/512GB | Battery: 4,500mAh | Rear camera: 108MP, 12MP, 12MP | Front camera: 10MP
Samsung's latest super-premium smartphone is the Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra, with advanced features, a great-looking screen, and special features for the S Pen stylus which comes included in the phone, that give you added versatile ways to use your device.
Sure it's expensive, and pretty huge, and doesn't actually have all the bells and whistles of the Galaxy S20 Ultra. But those weaknesses are made up for with plenty of advantages.
Screen: The Galaxy Note 20 Ultra has one of the best display's on any smartphone, with a 120Hz refresh rate (at FullHD+ resolution) and the option of QHD+ resolution (at a 60Hz refresh rate) - plus at 6.9 inches there's plenty of space for movies, games and productivity apps.
Camera: The Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra camera is... impressive. With 0.5x ultrawide, 1x regular, 5x optical and 50x digital zoom levels, you can get closer to subjects and still get stunning shots.
Battery life: If the Note 20 Ultra has a slight weak point, it's battery. In the most of the world (basically outside North America) the handset comes with Samsung's Exynos 990 chipset which isn't quite as power efficient - if you push the handset, you'll need to recharge before the day is out.
Mini verdict: This is a real top-end phone with top specs in every sector, so if your budget (and hand) can stretch for it, the Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra is the power and productivity user's phone of choice.
Read more: Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra review
Price comparison: The best Galaxy Note 20 Ultra deals
7. Motorola Edge Plus
Motorola returns to the big leagues
Release date: April 2020 | Weight: 203g | Dimensions: 161.07 x 71.38 x 9.6mm | OS: Android 10 | Screen size: 6.7-inch | Resolution: 1080 x 2340 | CPU: Snapdragon 865 | RAM: 12GB | Storage: 256GB | Battery: 5,000mAh | Rear camera: 108MP + 16MP + 8MP +ToF | Front camera: 25MP
The Motorola Edge Plus returns the brand to the big mobile leagues, offering up genuine flagship competition in an attractive package.
It's an impressive handset, with three rear cameras and a waterfall display, providing great snaps and a high-end design.
It's not widely available in the UK, nor is it cheap, but you can pick it up from Motorola's website for £1,049.99.
Screen: The Motorola Edge Plus has a 6.7-inch OLED display with a Full HD+ (2340 x 1080p) resolution, which actually looks sharper than the resolution may suggest. There's support for a 90Hz refresh rate, which makes scrolling much smoother.
Battery life: The sizable 5,000mAh battery inside the Motorola Edge Plus easily gives you over a day of use from a single charge - which means you will be able to party into the early hours without the fear of your phone dying when it comes to getting a cab home.
Camera: The Edge Plus takes mobile photography to the next level for Motorola, with an array of rear cameras fit for its flagship asking price. The Edge Plus' suite of cameras perform well, and it's only when your compare them with with the likes of the Galaxy S20+, Note 20 Ultra and OnePlus 8 Pro where you see they don't quite hit all the high marks.
Mini verdict: The Edge Plus is Motorola's first genuine flagship in years, boasting top specs, a gorgeous display and a trio of rear cameras. With 5G connectivity as well, the phone checks all the boxes as a serious contender against heavyweights from Samsung, Apple, and OnePlus.
Read our full Motorola Edge Plus review
8. OnePlus 8T
The OnePlus 8T is more of the same – and that’s okay
Release date: October 2020 | Weight: 188g | Dimensions: 160.7 x 74.1 x 8.4mm | OS: Android 11 | Screen size: 6.55-inch | Resolution: 1080 x 2400 | CPU: Snapdragon 865 | RAM: 8/12GB | Storage: 128/256GB | Battery: 4,500mAh | Rear camera: 48MP + 16MP + 5MP + 2MP | Front camera: 16MP
The OnePlus 8T might be newer than the OnePlus 8 Pro, but it’s not quite as high-end – or good.
Still, for those who don’t want to splash out on the top model, this comes very close, thanks to a great screen, plenty of power, and more.
Screen: At 1080 x 2400 pixels, the OnePlus 8T doesn’t have the sharpest screen, but it’s sharp enough, and its 120Hz refresh rate coupled with AMOLED tech makes it one of the best displays you’ll get for this sort of money. It’s also quite big at 6.55 inches.
Battery life: There’s a big 4,500mAh battery in the OnePlus 8T, which comfortably lasts a day and charges very quickly, as it supports 65W charging. There’s no wireless charging here though, for that you’ll need the OnePlus 8 Pro.
Camera: The quad-lens camera on the OnePlus 8T gives you a 48MP main, 16MP ultra-wide, 5MP macro, and 2MP depth cam to play with. There’s no telephoto camera, but what is there works well.
Mini verdict: The OnePlus 8T is a phone that almost has it all. From its great screen to its high-end chipset, capable cameras, long-lasting battery, and good software. It’s not the best in any of these areas, but with a lower price than much of the competition it doesn’t need to be.
Read our in-depth OnePlus 8T review
9. Xiaomi Mi Note 10
A top choice for an affordable Android phone
Release date: November 2019 | Weight: 208g | Dimensions: 157.8 x 74.2 x 9.7mm | OS: Android 9 | Screen size: 6.47-inch | Resolution: 2340 x 1080 | CPU: Snapdragon 730G | RAM: 6GB | Storage: 128GB | Battery: 5260mAh | Rear camera: 108MP | Front camera: 732MP
The Xiaomi Mi Note 10 is close to perfection, but it just doesn't quite make that. That said, we gave it a 4.5 star review, and it's a cheaper alternative to a lot of the other phones you'll find on this list. For those two reasons, this may be your next smartphone.
Screen: The Xiaomi Mi Note 10 comes with a beautiful 6.47-inch display that has curved edges and a fingerprint sensor embedded into it. It's a great size, it looks amazing and it adds to the overall sleek look of the phone.
Battery life: There's a massive 5,260mAh battery inside the Xiaomi Mi Note 10, and while on paper that looks fantastic we found it to be about the same as your average phone. It'll last you a full day of normal usage, but don't expect a longer life than a full day.
Camera: Here's the highlight of the Xiaomi Mi Note 10 - it comes with a 108MP camera. Not a typo, that's a 108MP shooter. Saying it takes great pictures is an understatement. Some of the phone's rear cameras feel a little inconsistent, but we've still found this phone to be one of the best camera phones around.
Mini verdict: The Xiaomi Mi Note 10 is a great choice if you're looking for a cheaper Android phone that doesn't lose out on much spec. The chipset isn't fantastic so it won't always offer the very best power out of any of the devices on this list, but considering its price and camera you may want to consider this.
Read more: Xiaomi Mi Note 10 review
10. Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra
The ultimate flagship - at an ultimate price
Release date: March 2020 | Weight: 166g | Dimensions: 166.9 x 76 x 8.8mm | OS: Android 10 | Screen size: 6.9-inch | Resolution: 3200 x 1440 | CPU: Snapdragon 865 | RAM: 12/16GB | Storage: 128/512GB | Battery: 5,000mAh | Rear camera: 108MP+48MP+12MP | Front camera: 40MP
The Galaxy S20 Ultra is, indeed, ultra – billed as the ultimate Samsung phone thanks to top-of-the-line specs on paper. It's an evolution of the max-specced Samsung Galaxy S10 5G from 2019, though the Ultra's execution isn't the best.
Screen: The 6.9-inch Infinity-O AMOLED screen is the sharpest we've seen, coming in at a whopping 3200 x 1440 resolution (WQHD+) given the model's slim bezels and the narrowest punch-hole we've ever seen. Plus its maximum refresh rate has been bumped up to 120Hz (though only if you bump the resolution down to FHD+) and touch sensor improved to 240Hz. It retains an in-screen fingerprint sensor, leaving the phone's back unblemished.
Battery life: The Galaxy S20 Ultra has a massive 5,000mAh battery, which should help with the drains from the 120Hz and 5G connectivity, along with whatever Wireless PowerSharing and mundane binging or gaming you're doing. It should last you a day or more, though we still haven't hit the two-day battery life threshold yet.
Camera: The massive 108MP main shooter allows you to crop into photos after the fact without as much distortion. However, the appeal is limited. Serious creatives with time on their hands may get use out of this feature more than most people. While there is a 16MP ultra-wide lens roughly akin to that from 2019's phone, it's the zoom capabilities that take the cake. The 100x 'Space Zoom' is mostly for showing off, as photos at that zoom are muddied - but scan it back out and it will blow other phones out of the water, especially since the competition typically maxes out at 10x. Here, see our massive S20 Ultra camera test for a deep dive.
Mini verdict: The S20 Ultra is truly cutting-edge, with a 100x 'Space Zoom' and, yes 5G, capabilities compatible with both mmWave and sub-6 networks. But you'll pay a premium for the privilege: the phone starts at $1,399, and while its camera has unbelievable specs, like a 108MP sensor, it doesn't always get exposure or autofocus right, leading us to recommend the S20 Plus.
Read more: Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra review
11. Samsung Galaxy Note 10 Plus
Smartphone opulence with an S Pen
Release date: August 2019 | Weight: 196g | Dimensions: 162.3 x 77.2 x 7.9mm | OS: Android 9 | Screen size: 6.8-inch | CPU: Exynos 9825 / Snapdragon 855 | RAM: 12GB | Storage: 256/512GB | Battery: 4,300mAh | Rear camera: 12MP + 12MP + 16MP + ToF | Front camera: 10MP
The Samsung Galaxy Note 10 Plus is one of the largest phones there is, but this stylus-toting handset is our third favourite phone you can buy right now.
It's expensive, but it features some of the best specs you'll get on a smartphone in 2020.
Screen: The screen on this phone is huge and the Infinity-O cutout means there's little interruption to the display here, allowing for an immersive experience.
Battery life: We found the battery life on the Samsung Galaxy Note 10 Plus to easily last the whole day, plus the fast charging tech means you're able to pump it up quickly when you're nearing 0%.
Camera: The camera setup on the Samsung Galaxy Note 10 Plus isn't the best on the market, but it's impressive and offers a lot of fun features that you may want to play around with.
Mini Verdict: Samsung's Galaxy Note 10 Plus is a remarkable device, but it's only for those who want a large phone and don't mind spending that bit extra on a device. The S20 Plus will be more suitable for most, but the Note 10 Plus is a great phone too.
Read more: Samsung Galaxy Note 10 Plus review
Price comparison: The best Samsung Galaxy Note 10 Plus deals
12. iPhone SE (2020)
The cheapest new iPhone for 2020
Release date: April 2020 | Weight: 148g | Dimensions: 138.4 x 67.3 x 7.3mm | OS: iOS 13 | Screen size: 4.7-inch | Resolution: 1134 x 750 | CPU: A13 Bionic | RAM: 3GB | Storage: 64/128/256GB | Battery: 1,821mAh | Rear camera: 12MP | Front camera: 7MP
The iPhone SE 2020 is the sequel to the one-hand-friendly iPhone from 2016, and it takes the power and specs we loved from the iPhone 11 series and crams them into the design of the iPhone 7 and iPhone 8.
Screen: This new iPhone SE has a 4.7-inch screen borrowed from the iPhone 7 and iPhone 8, so it's bigger than the original iPhone SE, but remains one-hand-friendly. That's become important for people who have been demanding a smaller phone. This is the one to get, even if the resolution and bezel won't wow anyone.
Battery life: As long as you aren't a power user (who would likely opt for the iPhone 11 series anyway), then you'll be OK with what Apple offers in terms of battery life. It's not going to last you any longer than a day, though, with generally the same amount of power as we saw on the iPhone 8, which had a 1,821mAh battery capacity.
Camera: For the money, the iPhone SE 2020 takes perfectly fine photos in good light. You won't notice much of a difference outside of it occasionally failing to nail perfect exposure levels and depth of field outdoors during the daytime. Dim the lights, however, and you'll notice one glaring omission: the night mode that's on the more powerful iPhones. That requires an upgrade to at least the iPhone 11.
Mini verdict: This isn't Apple's most powerful iPhone, but it's the best value for people who want to stick with iOS 13 without paying through the nose. Its screen technology won't wow you like an iPhone 12 Pro, and there's just one camera on the back, but starting £419 means this is hard to be if you're on a budget and don't want to switch to Android.
Read more: iPhone SE 2020 review
13. Samsung Galaxy S10 / S10 Plus
Previously our favorite smartphones
Release date: March 2019 | Weight: 157g/175g | Dimensions: 149.9 x 70.4 x 7.8mm/157.6 x 74.1 x 7.8mm | OS: Android 9 | Screen size: 6.1-inch/6.4-inch | Resolution: 1440 x 3040 | CPU: Snapdragon 855 / Exynos 9820 | RAM: 8/12GB | Storage: 128/512GB/1TB | Battery: 3,400mAh/4,100mAh | Rear camera: 12MP + 12MP + 16MP | Front camera: 10MP/10MP + 8MP
Previously, the Samsung Galaxy S10 and Galaxy S10 Plus were our best smartphones in the world. That's no longer the case with the introduction of the S20 range, but these are still two fantastic phones.
There's a lot of high-spec here, and with the S20 range on the market the prices of these handsets have dropped significantly too.
Screen: The Super AMOLED display previously measured as the very best around and while that's no longer the case the phone does still have a strong screen. Plus, there's a fingerprint scanner embedded in the display.
Battery life: The battery life on the Galaxy S10 and Galaxy S10 Plus was an improvement over the S9 series, thanks to the larger batteries inside. They easily reach bedtime with double digits still left in the tank.
Camera: The trio of cameras on the S10 and S10 Plus are still impressive although they may not be the best on the market. The setup on each builds on the excellent S9 series by offering more features, shooting modes and overall clarity.
Mini verdict: The Galaxy S10 phones are no longer the powerhouse devices they once were, but if you're looking for a slightly more affordable phone choice these will be a great choice for your next smartphone.
Read more: Galaxy S10 review | Galaxy S10 Plus review
Price comparison:
The best Samsung Galaxy S10 deals
The best Samsung Galaxy S10 Plus deals
14. iPhone 11
A still-great iPhone
Release date: September 2019 | Weight: 194g | Dimensions: 150.9 x 75.7 x 8.3mm | OS: iOS 13 | Screen size: 6.1-inch | Resolution: 828 × 1792 | CPU: Apple A13 Bionic | RAM: 4GB TBC | Storage: 64/128/256GB | Battery: 3110mAh TBC | Rear camera: 12MP + 12MP | Front camera: 12MP
The iPhone 11 has been superseded by the iPhone 12, but it still offers a great mix of features and price.
The specs here aren't as impressive as they are on the iPhone 11 Pro or iPhone 11 Pro Max, let alone the iPhone 12 range, but the trade-off in a lower price for this device still makes it a top-buy for many Apple fans.
Screen: This isn't the best screen you'll find on an iPhone, but it's still a vibrant display that's large enough to watch video on.
Battery life: The easiest way to describe battery life on the iPhone 11 is good, but not great. You'll get around a day of usage from the iPhone 11, but it's not as good as the 11 Pro Max.
Camera: Expect a similar experience from the camera on the iPhone 11 as on the iPhone XR. If you want the best camera on an iPhone, you'll want the iPhone 12 Pro Max, but it's still an impressive shooter on the rear of the 11.
Mini verdict: The iPhone 11 offers some of the best features from Apple in a more affordable package. Many will be happy with what the iPhone 11 can do, but others will want to look toward the high-spec iPhone 11 Pro models or the iPhone 12 range to get the very best.
Read our in-depth iPhone 11 review
Price comparison: The best iPhone 11 deals
15. Sony Xperia 1 II
The best for a niche crowd
Release date: May 2020 | Weight: 181.4g | Dimensions: 165.1 x 71.1 x 7.6 mm | OS: Android 10 | Screen size: 6.5-inch | Resolution: 1644 x 3840 | CPU: Snapdragon 865 | RAM: 8GB | Storage: 256GB | Battery: 4,000mAh | Rear camera: 12MP + 12MP + 12MP | Front camera: 8MP
Sony is back in the game with the Xperia 1 II, and this is the best phone from the company for some time. After a few years of struggling, the Xperia 1 II is a bonafide classic return to form but it's remarkably expensive for what it offers.
It's designed for a very particular customer, but if you're after a phone that has a super-wide display and a variety of other benefits this may be the phone for you.
Screen: The Sony Xperia 1 II is the only phone on this list with a 4K display, and it's even more unique with a 21:9 aspect ratio. That gives you a wider display when you're watching films or playing games.
Battery life: We found the battery life on the Xperia 1 II to be solid and you'll get a whole day of usage from the phone from a single charge. It also comes with wireless charging, which isn't always a gurantee on Sony flagship phones.
Camera: This triple camera is the best from Sony yet. You're going to get some true to life photography out of the automatic mode on this camera, and it's particularly good if you want to dive into the settings and mess around with elements like white balance.
Mini verdict: The Sony Xperia 1 II is built for a very particular type of person who needs a huge display, 5G connectivity and a variety of other top-end features. If that's you, this is a great phone.
Read more: Sony Xperia 1 II review
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